When do doctors usually decide to take your tonsils out?

Question

My daughter has tonsillitis. This is the second time she's had it and she is only 3. I know these days, doctors aren't quick to take tonsils out. But, WHEN and WHAT makes them decide to? How often do you have to have problems with your tonsils before they will do it?

Answer 1

You should definitely discuss removal if your daughter is having this many infections this early in life.  

Typically doctors will leave tonsils in place unless the person is suffering from what they call "chronic" tonsillitis, or occurrence of infection more than 8 times in one calendar year.

Ask to be referred to an ENT specialist (Ears Nose Throat) and see what the specialist has to say/offer.

Answer 2

I had problems for about 15 years before I had mine taken out - I had them out right before starting University so that I wouldn't have issues with them while far away.

It varies from doctor to doctor. I think after only having it twice, a doctor won't take them out. If she has it more than twice in a year a doctor will probably want to remove them.